Tatoo regulations.

[rstbkt69]

My son will be graduating H/S this june and he is flipping between Military service and college. He is not sure of which branch he wants to go into yet if he choses the military. He has a tatoo on his shoulder that can be covered by a T-shirt but it is a pretty big tatoo. It is a family crest. I heard that the marines are out because of it. any other services denying entry because of tats.

[phroggunner]

Should be fine for the Marines if it's covered by the t-shirt. A recruiter can give him a more definitive answer about that.

[thebloodsonthewall]

He would be fine in the army. There people with tattoos on their fingers, hands, and neck.

[chris]

ok guys look up the reg on the internet. it is published.

Army Tattoo Policy 2006: this is part of it. the rest is in AR 670-1

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/army/a/tattoopolicy.htm

Additionally, paragraph 1-8B (1) (A) was revised to state: “Tattoos that are not extremist, indecent, sexist or racist are allowed on the hands and neck. Initial entry determinations will be made according to current guidance.”

The Army has never allowed indecent tattoos on any part of the body, G1 officials pointed out.

The new policy allows recruits and all Soldiers to sport tattoos on the neck behind an imaginary line straight down and back of the jawbone, provided the tattoos don’t violate good taste.

“The only tattoos acceptable on the neck are those on the back of the neck,” said Hank Minitrez, Army G-1 Human Resources Policy spokesman. “The ‘back’ of the neck is defined as being just under the ear lobe and across the back of the head. Throat tattoos on that portion of the neck considered the front, the ear lobe forward) are prohibited.”

Soldiers who are considering putting tattoos on their hands and necks, should consider asking their chain of command prior to being inked.

Marine Tattoo Policy: also on the internet.
this one is rather new also.

http://blog.militaryuniformgouge.com/2008/09/13/maradmin-49408-marine-corps-tattoo-policy-special-duty-assignments.aspx

MARADMIN 494/08 MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY (SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS)

published 4 Sept 08, provides amplifying guidance on the Marine Corps Tattoo policy as it pertains to Special Duty Assignments.

Effective 4 Sept, 2008 Marines who were grandfathered for sleeve tattoos are not authorized to serve in Primary MOS (PMOS) 841, recruiter, or PMOS 8156, Marine Security Guard.

Marines grandfathered for sleeve tattoos may continue to apply to serve as a Marine Combat Instructor, PMOS 0913, Drill Instructor, PMOS 0911 or Marine Corps Security Forces Guard, PMOS 8152.

Grandfathered Marines currently on Special Duty Assignment as a recruiter or Marine Security Guard are authorized to remain on special duty until the end of their assignment.

Marines currently serving as recruiters who are already grandfathered for sleeve tattoos are authorized to continue in that billet unless relieved for cause for the good of the service approved by MCRC and M&RA. Requests for recruiters for follow-on service designation as a Career Recruiter, PMOS 8412, who have a grandfathered sleeve tattoo may not be favorably viewed but will be forwarded to DC M&RA for final adjudication.

The Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs is designated adjudicating authority for any tattoo issue involving retention or Special Duty Assignments.

The Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command is the adjudicating authority for any tattoo issue involving accessions (officer and enlisted), to include enlisted Marines who may apply for commissioning or warrant officer program.

your son can look up the reg for whatever branch he is going into. all of this is on the internet. don't let the recruiter tell him what he can and cannot have. bring the reg in hand and ask questions from there.

[B.D.Dubloon]

He'll be fine in the Marines, they just won't take him directly into OCS (which they wouldn't do anyway). Even then though I think if it would be covered by whatever he would be wearing so he would be okay. What the hell are high school kids doing getting tattoos?

[racky]

if he wants to do USAF here's the reg AFI36-2903

Excessive tattoos/brands will not be exposed or visible (includes visible
through the uniform) while in uniform. Excessive is defined as any tattoo/
brands that exceed 1/4 of the exposed body part and those above the
collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform.
Members should not be allowed to display excessive tattoos that would
detract from an appropriate professional image while in uniform.
Commanders should use these guidelines in determining appropriate
military image and acceptability of tattoos displayed by members in
uniform. Air Force members with tattoos not meeting an acceptable
military image should be required to (a) maintain complete coverage of the
tattoos using current uniform items (e.g. long-sleeved shirt/blouse, pants/
slacks, dark hosiery, PT running suit, etc.) or (b) remove tattoo(s).
Depending on the circumstances, commanders may seek Air Force medical
support for voluntary tattoo removal. PTDY is not authorized in this
situation and is at member’s expense. Members failing to remove, cover, or
alter excessive tattoos or who choose not to comply with acceptable
military standards may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary
separation. Failure to observe these mandatory provisions and
prohibitions by active duty Air Force members, USAFR members on
active duty or inactive duty for training and ANG members in Federal
service is a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice
(UCMJ). (See notes 2, 4, 5 and 6).

[rstbkt69]

Chris and racky thanks for the req. quotes. so far looks like the only one he would have any trouble with is maybe in a T-shirt that the sleeve would ride up on his arm is the AF. Have to look into that a little more.
B.D.Dubloon. For his 17th birthday and along with the provision that he passed a couple of classes that he just chose not to do the homework in I offered a reward of his choice for passing the class. It was a Tat. It is very tasteful and it is a family crest. Is it really our crest. I doubt it but if you look up our name it is one of them and the Motto is " Seek all truths in all things" and that is something that I believe in and for what ever reason I have tried to instill in my kids. Don't do something just because someone tells you to.There are many other things to raising a kid of course but thats one. Its a black tat only. He won the right to get one color for passing his first semester of his senior year. One that had the had to pass classes in it. No pass in these classes meant he didn't graduate with his class. He needs some motivation and I pick what will work. Hes a smart kid but lazy as all get out. He will be 18 next month and i don't believe I can tell him not to get any more. But I at least was able to make sure it was tasteful. The artist was very helpfull in this too and i have to commend him for not just inking him up for a few bucks.

[Requiem]

Should be fine for the Marines if it's covered by the t-shirt.

This. I'm no recruiter, but lots of buddies of mine have huge tattoos, some even on forearms. Only regulation that I know of is no racist ink, and no sleeves.

[Bedlam]

Coast Guard policy states basically no hands no neck no face. Nothing gang related, nudity, or profanity. Basically nothing offensive. They just recently change the policy to allow full sleeve tats again. My entire back is done so no real problem there.

[rstbkt69]

Thanks everyone. We had a little chat about what was allowed where tonight. You know just to give him some info on his decision making process. I'm prior Navy but during these times I think CG or AF is where I would prefer him to be. But I'm keeping my mouth shut till he asks for advice. Like most here, the decision has to be his.

[bambam8d1]

I got shot down by the Marines cuz of my ink. full sleeves as well as most of the rest of my body. Army was good to go though.

[CavTrooper]

I'm prior Navy but during these times I think CG or AF is where I would prefer him to be.

Why?

If it has anything to do with combat deployments then you and him need to do some research. Every branch of the Military and DHS has boots on the ground in the ME. Most of us has served side by side with USN, USCG, AF, Border Patrol, etc.

No one is immune from deployments.

[rstbkt69]

O its not about deployment. He needs to get out of town and see what the world has to offer. Its more of how close he gets to the shooting actually. I know I know, but who wants to worry about his kid everyday. I'll be proud no matter where or what he does as long as his head and heart are into what he chooses.

[Bedlam]

If you want more info on the CG Route get in touch I can get you any info you need I work aviation side but I spent time on a boat before I got into aviation so I pretty much know everything the CG has to offer. I also know a recruiter or two so feel free to give a holler (PM) if you want more info!

[rstbkt69]

Thanks bedlam I'll get in touch when he makes his choice on school or the military. I was an AT and landed a sweet job that I wouldn't have been able to get if I hadn't been an AT on F18's.